US20190247871A1 - Sprinkler Deflector Head with Device to Machine Adjustment - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method to direct a communication from a user device to rotate a deflector guide located proximal to a sprinkler head. The sprinkler head rests on a sealed bottom ring comprised of a waterwheel, transformer, rotating slider, and D2M communications device. When water is deployed from the sprinkler head, the waterwheel inside the sealed bottom ring rotates to generate energy. This starts the communication device which maintains a D2M communication signal until the water is turned off. The communication device is managed by a user on a user device through a user interface. After communication signal is selected in the user interface of the user device, the deflector head responds to commands and pivots along a circular path. The deflector comprises an opening that limits the spray from the sprinkler head to a more limited range than if the deflector was not used. The user can adjust the spray pattern of the sprinkler head without manually adjusting the deflector guard and therefore the user is able to remain dry during the process.

Description

BACKGROUNDField of Invention
• The invention is related to a water sprinkler deflector system and method of adjusting the disbursement field of a sprinkler head including a mobile application for device-to-machine commands to pivot a deflector opening.
Background of the Invention
• The present invention is a useful and novel method for adjusting the direction of a deflector opening in a deflector attached proximally to a water sprinkler head in a surrounding manner. The deflector opening narrows the range the sprinkler head can disburse water.
• The present deflector system is adjusted on a horizontal plane in a rotational modification achieved using a user application on user equipment, such as a mobile device. The mobile device identifies a single deflector machine based on the electronic signal emitted by the machine. The user equipment then returns electronically-coded directions to the deflector machine that achieves the rotation needed to re-position the deflector opening. The result is the besprinkling on surfaces, such as sidewalks and streets, is eliminated.
• Communication between machine and user devices are traditionally achieved in number of ways. The first generation of these technologies employed a router as a base station. The user device would reach out to the router and identify a machine that the router would then locate and make available to the user device. Early examples were remote point-of-sale systems that used the local network to access a retailer's central processor. Late applications include door lock management systems where the user is able to adjust the security of a lock with a mobile application. A number of issues remain with this system architecture including severe latency (generally associated with provisioning), weak security, resource allocation, and interference management.
• Within a few years, the next generation of communication between users and machines adopted the use of cellular networks (or even satellite networks) which greatly improved the mobility of the users. However, the downsides created challenges that product managers are still trying to address today. For instance, the machine is required to have a cellular communication system which is both expensive to acquire and maintain communication. It also creates bulk and demands high power consumption. The latter issue often requires the machine maintain a static position or rely on solar power. Even at the higher expense, this communication architecture is very useful in commercial applications such as remote watering systems in agriculture.
• Communication Architecture
• Newer communication architectures now include machine-to-machine (M2M) and device-to-device (D2D).
• M2M refers to a wireless or wired network setup that allows devices of the same type and ability to communicate freely. M2M addresses communication between machines that are not necessarily connected to the Internet, or do not rely on the Internet to affect that communication. M2M communication is an enabler, and often time describe as a subset, of the Internet-of-Things (IoT). The indeterminate definition of IoT generally refers to the network of physical objects that feature an IP address for internet connectivity, and the communication that occurs between these objects, Internet-enabled devices, and other systems.
• While technology terms evolve over time, M2M currently refers to technologies that enable communication between machines without human intervention. The typical M2M application example of this type of scheme is vehicle-to-vehicle communication where information is shared between neighboring vehicles and relayed for analysis to a central processor through a secured cloud. M2M communication is an important aspect of military theatre management, agriculture management, remote control, robotics, warehouse management, telemedicine, telemetry, traffic control, logistics, supply chain management and fleet management.
• The architecture for M2M consists of a variety of network solutions, both licensed and unlicensed, adapted to the spectrum of M2M applications and solutions. Each network solution is trying a unique approach to solve a standard engineering problem: how to trade off cost, complexity, and performance.
• Cellular is the only type of M2M network that uses its own licensed frequency space. Cellular has dominated the M2M space since its inception. The primary benefit of cellular is the ubiquitous coverage and the mobility of the user. The major disadvantages of cellular are short battery life, high-cost end points, and high recurring fees. It is nearly impossible to use cellular unless there is a non-battery power supply to the machine.
• Due to low cost and lower power chipsets, Wi-Fi has become the most prevalent emerging M2M communication architecture over the last few years. Wi-Fi's downfalls include coverage, latency, and provisioning.
• Another option is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is also called Bluetooth Smart or Bluetooth 4.0. BLE is a wireless personal area network technology. BLE uses considerably less power than first-generation Bluetooth. BLE enables short-burst wireless connections and uses multiple network topologies, including point-to-point (P2P) topology for one-to-one (1:1) device communications. BLE P2P optimizes data transfers and is ideal for connected device products, such as fitness trackers and health monitors. The downside is users are limited by range and packet sizes. BLE is designed to transmit only small bits of information online through a phone or computer. Bluetooth joins a host of emerging technologies that address unique engineering solutions including, but not limited to, Symphony Link, SIGFOX, LoRaWAN, 6LoWPAN, LTE Cat 0/1, NB-IoT, Weightless, WirelessHART, Z-Wave and Zigbee.
• The second communication type mentioned above is device-to-device (D2D). D2D connectivity is a relatively new paradigm in cellular networks that allows user devices in close proximity to communicate directly without the use of a core network or base station (BS). DSD makes operators more flexible by allowing the offloading of traffic from the core network, decreases latency, reduces cost and reduces energy requirements. Unlike M2M, human intervention is prominent, a large amount of data can be transferred, and communication is cellular to cellular. Short-range wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct and LTE Direct can be used to enable D2D communication. They differ mostly in the device discovery mechanisms, data rates, distance between devices, and types of engineering applications. Wi-Fi Direct allows up to a maximum data rate of 250 Mbps in a 200-meter range. LTE Direct provides data rates up to 13.5 Mbps and a range of 500 meters. Bluetooth 5 supports a maximum data rate of 50 Mbps within a range of 230 meters.
• D2D communication can efficiently support local data services through anycast, unicast, groupcast and broadcast transmissions. Unicast is a communication between a single sender and a single receiver over a network. The term is contrasted with multicast, a communication between a single sender and multiple receivers; and anycast, a communication between any sender and the nearest of a group of receivers in a network.
• Common usage scenarios for D2D includes:
• • 1. Data offloading;
  • 2. Share processing power;
  • 3. Data sharing;
  • 4. Disaster-area communication;
  • 5. Voice communication in areas without a BS, or has a disabled BS;
  • 6. Coverage extension by using the user mobile devices as relays;
  • 7. Machine-to-cloud communication in M2M architecture.
• In terms of spectrum types, D2D communication is classified into inband and outband.
• Inband allows the cellular communication and the D2D communication to use the same spectrum licensed to a cellular operator.
• For outband, the D2D communication uses unlicensed spectrum outside any licensed spectrum, but may include communication specific to other electronic devices such as Bluetooth. In addition, there are proximity-based services (ProSe) standards that allow physically close devices to discover each other and then communicate via direct links. It is also known as LTE Direct because it allows direct communications between user devices used in a licensed spectrum in the global LTE ecosystem.
• Any of these communication types allow a connection from a transmitter user device to its intended receiver user device in a single hop.
• Ongoing challenges include peer discovery, security, mobility, interference, resource allocation, mode selection, synchronization, mode selection, and monetization.
• One of the largest hurdles in both M2M and D2M is peer discovery. Peer discovery is the ability for one device/machine to notice and then uniquely identify another device/machine. A device must be able to quickly identify nearby device but with lower power consumption. There are two types of peer discovery techniques, open and restricted. Open discovery can be discovered simply by the D2D/M2M devices being in close proximity to each other. Restricted discovery allows communication only between clients that are authorized to respond to each other.
• Security is general stronger in both M2M and D2D communication networks since the data is not accessed with a central location. However, these networks are susceptible to common attacks such as denial of service, IP spoofing, malware attacks, eavesdropping.
• Most D2D work has been focused on the static position of the user devices although the cellular networks themselves are designed for moving user devices. Additional work is needed to manage interference and handover policies as the devices move across cells.
• For inband communications, D2D shares a spectrum with cellular which may produce interference because of how they share the spectrum. In outbound, the interference is between the D2D/M2M end-points. One method to reduce interference is to reduce the transmit power levels. Therefore, the goal in interference management is to create algorithms and rules to efficiently manage transmit power controls. Interference minimization, resource allocation, mode selection and are closely related objectives and are often jointly optimized.
• Resource allocation is an algorithm and policies that allow sharing of the spectrum with D2D resources. Allocation is a critical step in creating and then maintaining direct links between the user devices in the cellular network.
• Mode selection is the algorithms and policies that enable choosing between D2D or cellular communication for communication between the user devices. Once the user devices have discovered each other, and become candidates for D2D communication, the network evaluates network performance, such as channel gain, signal strength or noise, and then determines if cellular or D2D is preferred for the communication. This is based on performance objectives such as lower latency, lower power usage, or high spectral efficiency. Mode selection can be executed by either the user device or the network.
• Synchronization helps a user device to use the right frequency and time slot for discovery by its intended peer and then communicating with that node. With a cellular network, user devices manage time and frequency synchronization using periodic broadcasts from the BS. If they are using the same BS, the user devices can synchronize within the same broadcast. Complications arise in a D2D communication when the user devices either don't share the same BS or are positioned outside a BS.
• Considering D2D communications use a cellular network, monetization of the D2D communication between the users becomes an essential business challenge. This results in a complex set of potential incentives and chargeable services including allowing the user devices to sell bandwidth.
• Waterwheel
• Waterwheels produce electrical current through the forcible rotation of a wheel by the flow of water. The resulting electrical current is stored in a battery or conveyed to a utility through power lines. A waterwheel may be a component of larger systems such as hydropower plants but also be a simplified device comprising the components of:
• • 1. Water, either flowing or falling;
  • 2. Axel, for the wheel to be mounted on and to transmit the power to the transformer;
  • 3. Wheel;
  • 4. Blades or buckets arranged around the wheel or axel;
  • 5. Transformer, to collect power from the axel and transform to direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC);
  • 6. Power collection or relay device, such as a battery or utility line, to efficiently collect the power generated by the transformer.
• The types of waterwheels include stream (water strikes the bottom of wheel in flowing water), vertical axis (blades mounted to the side with axel to floor and ceiling), breastshot (water strikes the wheel between one forth and one half of the wheel height), undershot (water strikes below the bottom quarter of the wheel height), backshot (water strikes at the top of the wheel and before the axel), overshot (water strikes at the top of the wheel and in front of the axel), and turbine (swirling motion).
• Sprinkler Water Deflector
• Shelman, Tony in U.S. Pat. No. 9,415,405 discloses system for preventing a sprinkler from spraying water in an undesirable direction and includes a deflector cap having a top surface, and a skirt extending from the top surface, the skirt having a cap opening configured to align with a nozzle orifice in a sprinkler nozzle, and a fastener configured to attach the deflector cap to the sprinkler nozzle. For attachment, a fastener may be a snap-on ring positioned on an inner surface of the top surface of the deflector cap, a hook system, and/or an adhesive. As such, the initial placement of the deflector is either permanent or difficult to adjust. It cannot be adjusted for changing wind conditions.
• All the sprinkler deflectors heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages:
• • 1. Adjustments are difficult or impossible to be made after initial installation;
  • 2. Installation is manually done while standing next to, or over, an active sprinkler head resulting in wetting of the installer;
  • 3. Sprinkler head can require readjustment after landscape maintenance as the deflector is knocked out of placement;
  • 4. There is no system to establish or maintain a previous position setting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• An invention, which meets the needs stated above, is a system and method to direct a communication from a user device to rotate a deflector guide located proximal, and surrounding, to a sprinkler head. The sprinkler head rests on a sealed bottom ring comprised of a waterwheel, transformer, rotating top slider, and D2M communications device. When water is deployed from the sprinkler head, the waterwheel inside the sealed bottom ring rotates to generate energy. This starts the communication device which maintains a communication signal until the water is turned off. After the communication signal is selected in the user interface of the user device, the deflector head responds to commands and pivots along a circular path with the sprinkler riser as the axis. The deflector comprises an opening that limits the spray from the sprinkler head to a more limited range than if the deflector was not used. The user can adjust the spray pattern of the sprinkler head without manually adjusting the deflector guard and therefore the user is able to remain dry during the process.
Objects and Advantages
• Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the system for using machine-to-device communication to adjust a sprinkler deflector head described above, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
• • a) to provide a solution to make on-the-fly adjustments to the sprinkler disbursement field;
  • b) to provide an automated solution to eliminate besprinkling during shifting winds;
  • c) to provide landscape providers a unified way to reset paths to eliminate besprinkling cause by maintenance;
  • d) to provide a single solution and interface to manage overspray across sprinkler system manufacturers;
  • e) to improve latency with a single hop system;
  • f) to allow manufacturers to adjust overspray without having access to a client's Wi-Fi or cellular network;
  • g) to provide post-installation add-on solutions.
• Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and the ensuing description of the drawings.
DRAWING FIGURES
• The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention. In the figures:
• FIGS. 1A-1C.—Illustrations representing a smart deflector assembly.
• FIGS. 2A-2C.—Illustrations representing a smart deflector assembly with a waterwheel.
• FIG. 3A.—Drawing of an example user interface on a user device to manage a water sprinkler deflector.
• FIB3B.—Diagram of hardware of a user device.
• FIG. 4.—Diagram showing the data movement on a cellular network between the user device and a water sprinkler.
• FIG. 5.—Diagram exemplifying the data movement on a Wi-Fi network between the user device and a water sprinkler.
• FIG. 6.—Diagram exemplifying the data movement on a D2M network between the user device and a water sprinkler.
• FIG. 7.—Drawing of an example machine generating energy from a water when and dispersing that energy to a rotating slider, chipset, external battery, and accessories.
KEY TERMS
• • anycast: a communication between any sender and the nearest of a group of receivers in a network. Compare multicast, unicast.
  • base station (BS): a relay located at the center of any of the cells of a cellular telephone system; or a short-range transceiver that connects a machine, computer, or other wireless device to a central hub and allows connection to a network.
  • BS: see base station (BS)
  • chipset: a group of integrated circuits (microchips) that can be used together to serve a single function and serve as a communications controller between a machine and device.
  • D2D: see device-to-device (D2D)
  • device-to-device (D2D): a communication system that allows user devices in close proximity to communicate directly without the use of a core network or base station (BS).
  • D2M: see device-to-machine (D2M)
  • device-to-machine (D2M): a communication system comprising a wireless user device, such as a mobile phone, that communicates with a machine containing an electronic address/identification but no wired power and no battery power supply. See Internet protocol (IP), identification.
  • hop: a round trip communication between two devices. A single hop would be direct communication from a device to another device/machine. A multi-hop may employ a router or base station.
  • identification, identity: the unique name of a person, device/machine, or the combination of both that is recognized by a system. See Internet protocol (IP).
  • Internet protocol (IP): the method, or protocol, by which data is sent from one computer to another on the Internet. Each computer, device, or machine on the Internet has at least one IP address that uniquely identifies it from all other computers on the Internet.
  • IP: See Internet protocol (IP)
  • latency: for our purposes, the network delay between when an instruction is transferred and data is transferred back to the instructing device, and thus completing a round trip. Latency definitions can vary across systems and networks.
  • M2M: see machine-to-machine (M2M) machine: any physical object with electrical, mechanical, or sensor properties.
  • machine-to-machine (M2M): a communication system comprising a wireless or wired network communication between machines that allows assemblies of the same type and ability to communicate freely.
  • multicast: communication between a single sender and multiple receivers. Compare anycast, unicast.
  • provisioning: the processes of establishing a node-to-node communication based on a unique user identification.
  • spectrum: type of licensed or unlicensed radio frequencies allocated to the mobile industry and other sectors for communication over the airwaves.
  • unicast: a communication between a single sender and a single receiver over a network. Compare multicast and anycast.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
• 10 smart deflector, deflector, machine
• 15 sprinkler system
• 20 directional guard
• 30 guard vent
• 40 brackets for top ring
• 50 top ring
• 52 top ring magnet
• 60 bottom ring, machine
• 61 rotating slider with engine
• 62 magnet or metal plate
• 63 visible serial number
• 64 chipset with electronic identification number and communication
• 65 power input
• 66 battery (DC)
• 67 riser locking mechanism
• 68 visible alignment guide (for initial installation)
• 69 electronic address, IP
• 70 waterwheel
• 71 axel
• 72 blades
• 73 transformer
• 74 water
• 75 battery storage
• 76 accessories
• 77 accessories with a communication chipset, machine
• 80 sprinkler head, nozzle
• 90 riser
• 100 ground
• 110 landscape
• 200 user device, user equipment, wireless device
• 201 power
• 210 hardware
• 212 display
• 214 memory, storage, RAM, ROM
• 216 processor
• 218 device chipset
• 220 user interface, device application
• 230 rotation control
• 240 setup controls, setup, setup screen
• 242 database
• 250 chipset selection controls
• 260 weather application
• 270 mapping application
• 290 user
• 300 cellular network
• 310 base station
• 320 wireless communication
• 330 wired or wireless communication
• 340 sprinkler controller
• 400 Wi-Fi network
• 410 router
• 420 wireless communications
• 500 D2M network
• 510 wireless communication
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements,
• FIGS. 1A-1C
• Turning to the firstFIGS. 1A-1C, the illustrations depict asmart deflector10 assembly. The assembledpresent invention10 combines adirectional guard20 RESTING on alower support structure50,60 comprising a sprinkler system15 mounted into theground100.
• The irrigation sprinkler system15 is supported by a structure buried into theground100 and attaching to theriser90. The underground structure is largely comprised of tubing used for the transportation of water74 to theriser90 andsprinkler head80. The water74 is moved through underground tubing either by pumping or internal water pressure from the plumbing system. The modern systems15 often operate on a schedule which is modified by existing weather conditions. Organized into zones, a system15 turns on the water74 by magnetizing a solenoid with electrical current. The solenoid, which sits on top of an outlet-side valve, lifts a stainless-steel plunger up and into the center of the solenoid. By doing this, the raised plunger allows air to escape from the top of a rubber diaphragm positioned in the center of the valve. Water74 that has been charged and waiting on the inlet side of the diaphragm lifts the diaphragm. This pressurized water74 rushes past the diaphragm and is then allowed to escape downstream of the outlet valve. The outlet valve is connected to a series of pipes located underground100. Thus, each zone has a separate electrical attachment to a sprinkler system's15control box340. The electricity for each zone may be split and used for thepower input65 forother machines60 or sensors.
• Weather conditions may be collected by sensors attached to the sprinkler systems15control box340. These local sensors detect conditions like temperature and humidity (i.e., freezing and rain). Weather conditions may also be collected by onlineweather reporting applications260. Theapplications260 are more predictive than local sensors because they can inform the system of future rainfall, the total predicted amount of rainfall, and freezing temperatures.
• Aboveground100, the system includes ariser90, which may comprise a pop-up riser90, and asprinkler head80.Sprinkler head80 types vary depending on water pressure, gallons flow per minute and the type oflandscape110. Fixed heads80 produce a tight, constant fan of water74 and are primarily used for small lawns and ground cover. Gear driven heads80 feature adjustable patterns and are suitable for mid to large size lawns. Amulti-stream head80 produces a series of thin streams of water74 that rotate and are suitable for uneven surfaces and medium size yards. Unlike a multi-stream, rotary heads80 deliver a single stream that pivots in a circle and thus applies the water74 more slowly to thelandscape110. Shrub heads80 are mounted above foliage onlong risers90 and usually have a special nozzle pattern.
• InFIG. 1B, showing the bottom surface of atop ring50 with an attachment means comprisingmagnets52, male-female connections, threaded connectors, pins, adhesives, or hooks and loops. In the present example the attachment is amagnet52. InFIG. 1A, a support structure rest on the top side of thetop ring50 to help to support and stabilize adirection guard20. The top side of thetop ring50 is attached tobrackets40 and the brackets are connected to the surface of thedirectional guard20. In one embodiment, thebracket40 is attached to the under surface of thedirectional guard20. In another embodiment thebracket40 is assembled to the outer surface of thedirectional guard20. Thebracket40 andtop ring50 level and stabilize thedirectional guard20.
• Thedirectional guard20 is a cavity with a fully enclosed back, fully enclosed top, and aguard vent30. The shape of the cavity may be substantially a hollowed concave interior surface. In another embodiment, the fully enclosed top may be flat with a perpendicular fully enclosed back. In another embodiment, the enclosed surfaces may be shaped into a conical top. Thedirectional guard20 is sized to surround and house asprinkler head80.
• Aguard vent30 is manufactured to provide an opening in thedirectional guard20 for a portion of the water's74 spray to exit the directional guard. Theguard vent30 is initially installed by centering on the exit hole of thesprinkler head80 so that thevisible alignment guide68 is position centered on the outlet whole of thesprinkler head80. The size of theguard vent30 may be manufactured to provide a pre-determine coverage degree or may be presented as removable sections to allow the installer to customize the width of the spray. After the final assembly with thebottom ring60, the installer can remotely adjust the direction theguard vent30 faces thus moving it off center from the exit hole of thesprinkler head80.
• InFIG. 1C, showing abottom ring60, the ring comprising a visibleserial number63 of the one ormore communication chips64identification number69, one ormore communications chipset64,power input65,battery66, one or moreriser locking mechanism67, one or morevisible alignment guide68 for initial installation, a rotatingmechanical slider61 with one or more attachment means62 comprising magnets, male-female connections, threaded connectors, pins, adhesives, or hooks and loops. The attachment means62 on the top of thebottom ring60 will be designed to lock with the attachment means52 of thetop ring50.
• Thebottom ring60 is attached to theriser90 using a risinglocking mechanism67 so thebottom ring60 is fixedly interconnected to theriser90. The rotatingslider61 is positioned on the top of thebottom ring60 and rotates independently of the position of thetop ring50. When thetop ring50 andbottom ring60 are attached, the rotatingmechanical slider61 may be controlled by theuser equipment200 to rotate the location of theguard vent30 in relationship to the exit hole of thesprinkler head80. The present non-limiting example uses a magnet ormetal plate62 on therotating slider61 to lock to themagnet52 on thetop ring50. Theuser equipment200 wirelessly connects to the bottom ring's60communications chipset64. The instructions generated on theuser equipment200 are received and translated by thechipset64 causing the rotatingslider61 to pivot either right or left in relationship to the fixed-positionedbottom ring60. Thechipset64 androtating slider61 are powered by abattery66. In another embodiment,chipset64 androtating slider61 are powered by an alternating current (AC)power input65. TheAC power65 may be obtained by splitting the current running from thesprinkler control panel340 for the associated zone.
• FIGS. 2A-2C
• Referring now toFIGS. 2A-2C, the drawings shows asmart deflector10 assembly with awaterwheel70. These figures are substantially the same asFIGS. 1A-1C in the structure and assembly of the directional guard20 (FIG. 2A), top ring50 (FIG. 2B), and sprinkler system15 (FIG. 2A). The new embodiments of theFIGS. 2A-2C are the construction (FIG. 2c) and assembly of the bottom ring60 (FIG. 1A). The bottom ring now is amachine60 containing anelectronic address69, such as an IP, but does not contain analkaline battery66 power source orAC power65. InFIG. 2C, thebottom ring60 contains similar features asFIG. 1C comprising a rotating slider with anengine61, one ormore mechanisms62 for attaching to thetop ring50, a label with a visible serial number (or a portion of that number)63, one ormore communications chipsets64, and avisible alignment guide68 to align thetop ring50 with thebottom ring60. Absent inFIG. 2C is thepower input65,battery66 andriser locking mechanism67. The need for these are replaced by awaterwheel70 comprising anaxel71 with one ormore blades72 with theaxel71 attached to one ormore transformers73.
• InFIG. 2A, thebottom ring60 comprises awaterwheel70 housed over theriser90, and assembled to theriser90 of the sprinkler system15. The installation objective is to engage thewaterwheel70 by the water74 before the water74 exits thesprinkler nozzle80. Theriser90 is attached to thesprinkler head80 using a threaded spiral shape on the inside of theriser90 and the outside thesprinkler head80. Therefore, thebottom ring60 would be couple to theriser90 using a spiral threaded shape on the bottom of thebottom ring60. Thebottom ring60 would be coupled to thesprinkler head80 using a spiral threaded shape on the top of thebottom ring60. In another embodiment, the assembly may be made by heating a polyethylene hose and/or use of clamps. The fitting of thebottom ring60 may be inserted in the flexible tubing normally reserved for the riser's90 fitting. The installation objective is to engage thewaterwheel70 by the water74 before the water74 exits thesprinkler nozzle80. InFIG. 2A., thebottom ring60 is assembled to the top of theriser90 and the bottom of thesprinkler nozzle80. In another embodiment, thebottom ring60 and thesprinkler nozzle80 may be a single unit so the installation would be a standard installation of theriser90 attached to the flexible tubing and the combinedmember60,80 installed to theriser90. Another embodiment would combine thebottom ring60, with thewaterwheel70, thesprinkler nozzle80, and thedeflector10 into asingle unit60,70,80,10. Another embodiment would have thewaterwheel70 manufactured inside theriser90 with an electrical connection to thebottom ring60.
• When water74 is pushed through theriser90 and into thebottom ring60, it spins theblades72 around theaxel71 of thewaterwheel70 attached to thebottom ring60 by theaxel71. Theaxel71 is connected to atransformer73 housed inside thebottom ring60. The spinning motion of thewaterwheel70 sends motion through theaxel71 and to thetransformer73. Thetransformer73 transforms the motion into energy. Also located in thebottom ring60, and electronically attached to thetransformer73, is achipset64 with anelectronic identification number69 andwireless communication510 capabilities, such as Wi-Fi. Thetransformer73 is also electronically attached, directly or indirectly, to therotating slider61 to allow theslider61 to pivot left or right in relationship to the fixedbottom ring60. Thetransformer73 may be used to charge abattery66, including anexternal battery66, for use in other devices, lights or machines.
• Therefore, the flow of water74 through thebottom ring60 providespower201 to thechipset64 which then produces and an electronic signal and transmits theelectronic identification69. Unless, a battery is included to collect any residual energy, the transmission would end when the waterflow is ended by thesprinkler controller340 and valve.
• Theuser290 can start theuser device200 and open theuser interface220. Theprotocol69 matching the machine's60 transmission is transmitted from the user'shardware210 in a return communication and thus completing the hop and establishing a two-way communication between thedevice200 and themachine60. The mobile orcomputing device200 may then send a pairing code to themachine60 and in turn receive a pairing confirmation from thebottom ring60 to complete the pairing process. Theuser290 can then use thedevice application220 to select thechipset64 associated with the desiredsmart deflector10 and using thecontrols230 on the application to adjust the relationship of theguard vent30 to thesprinkler nozzle80.
• FIGS. 3A-3B
• Finally, turning toFIGS. 3A-3B, demonstrating the use of the invention when apersonal user device200 is utilized to control thewater deflector10 of anindividual sprinkler head80.
• First turning toFIG. 3A showing anon-limiting example interface220 on theuser device200 for utilization by theuser290 to manage the functions of thesmart deflector10. The setup controls240 comprises functions to allow the addingsmart deflectors10, deletedeflectors10, name thedeflectors10 and managemapping applications270. In a non-limiting example application, theuser290 would select setup controls240 to add adeflector10. To match thedeflector10, theuser290 observes the visibleserial number63 on thesmart deflector10 which may comprise thefull identification69 number or an abbreviation of the last few numbers of theID64. In a machine-to-device configuration, theuser290 would first turn on the water74 flow to the sprinkler systems15. The flow of the water74 across thewaterwheel70 initiates achipset64 communication from thebottom ring60. The deflector's10identification number69 would then show on thesetup screen240 of theuser interface220. In this non-limiting example, theuser290 decides to add a description of the location as ‘Left Front Door’ using the display's212 keyboard function. Thedevice application220 would store the association of theidentification number69 and the description on the user device's200database242. Exiting thesetup screen240, theuser290 now shows ‘connected’ to one ormore deflectors10. If more than one, theuser interface220 shows the chipset selection controls250 to allow theuser290 to select thespecific deflector10 they wish to adjust directional facing theguard vent30.
• In this non-limiting example, theuser290 selects ‘Left Front Door’ using the chipset selection controls250. The device's200chipset218 connects to the machine's60chipset64 and establishes an open two-communication. The mobile orcomputing device200 may then send a pairing code to themachine60 and in turn receive a pairing confirmation from thebottom ring60 to complete the pairing process. Theuser290 can now engage the rotation controls230 on theuser interface220. In the present non-limiting example, theinterface220 shows a simple graphic as if looking down on thesprinkler head80. Theuser290 rotates left and right on the graphic to limit the deflector's10 path to avoid besprinkling. In the present example, if theuser290 wants to adjust thedeflector10 to a previous setting, theuser290 presses ‘reset.’ Once adjusted, theuser290 can close theapplication220 or chose anew deflector10 with the chipset selection controls250.
• Alternating wind will affect the path of water74 from asprinkler head80, even with an attachedsmart deflector10. Theapplication220 may also use aweather application260, as either a component of theuser interface220, or as a feed from a separate application, to monitor the speed and direction of the atmospheric wind. Wind direction is reported from the direction from which it originates. Rules would be set by theweather application260 on how to automatically, and temporarily, adjust the direction of theguard vent30. Non-limiting example rules may be:
• • 1. no response would be executed for any wind speeds under 7 miles per hour;
  • 2. no adjustment would be made outside the scheduled water times;
  • 3. the calculated degree of temporary rotation based on the direction and speed of the wind.
• As an non-limiting example, if amap270 of thesmart deflectors10 is stored on thedatabase242 in thestorage214, and thatmap270 shows theuser290 originally set the direction of theguard vent30 as facing northeast, and theweather application260 shows a wind with a southeast origination at 15 miles per hour, thedevice application220 can automatically adjust theguard vent30 to a more eastern facing to compensate for the wind speed and direction.
• InFIG. 3B, thehardware210 of theuser device200 comprises adisplay212 for input and output, memory and/or storage (such as ROM and/or RAM)214,processor216, apower source201,communications chipset218 and a module for thesprinkler device application220. Thepower201 comprises alternating current (AC) and variable direct current (DC) electronically linked together. Thedisplay212 serves the function of rendering theapplication220 on thehardware210 and receiving commands comprising keyboard,chipset selection250,setup240, andsmart deflector10rotation control230. Theprocessor216 runs theapplication220 inmemory214 comprising commands such asrotation control230,setup240 and smartdeflector chipset selection250. Theprocessor216 also manages the device's200 communication chipset's218 communication with the machine'schipset64. Theprocessor216 would manage anyweather applications260 contained on thedevice200 or as a module of thedevice application220. Adatabase242 located on thestorage214 stores thesetup240 information, including anymapping270 data. Thedatabase242 would record the written description and the association with the machine'schipset64 identification.
• Adevice200 comprises any system with acomputer processor216 including mobile computers, personal computers, personal digital assistants, smart phones, laptops, tablets, wearable computers, ultra-mobile personal computers, enterprise digital assistants, electronic book readers, minicomputers, mainframes, servers, workstations, minicomputers, microcomputers, desktop computer, clones, terminals, and the like.
• FIG. 4
• FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the data movement on a cellular network300 between theuser device200 and asmart deflector10. The non-limiting example figure shows the communication begins (step i.) with either a wired orwireless communication330 between thesmart deflector10 and asprinkler controller340. Thecontroller340 may be the same unit used to turn on sprinklers, schedule sprinkler times, and monitor weather conditions. In another embodiment, thecontroller340 may be dedicated to the control of thesmart deflector10.
• Another embodiment would have acellular chipset64 on themachine10 and themachine10 would communicate directly with thebase station310.
• Theuser290 would engage themachine60 by launching theuser interface220 on the user device's200hardware210. Theuser interface220 may establish a wireless communication320 (step ii.) with thebase station310 on the licensed spectrum. In establishing the communication, theuser device200 may send a pairing code to thebase station310 which is relayed to thecontroller340. Thebase station310 relays the call from thedevice application220 and dials the sprinkler controller340 (step iii.) to establish the first two-way open communication. Thebase station310 then establishes a two-way open communication (step iv.) with thedevice application220 and links together the open communication (steps iii. and iv.) between thecontroller340 and theuser device200. In response to the pairing code, thecontroller340 relays a pairing confirmation to thebase station340 to complete the pairing process. Once theuser290 selects anidentification69 with the chipset selection controls250, in this non-limiting example identified as ‘Left Front Door,’ thecontroller340 contacts thesmart deflector10 located to the left of the front door by engaging thechipset64 housed in thebottom ring60. Theuser290 is then able to rotate theguard vent30 using the rotation controls230 in theuser interface220. Theinterface220 sends commands to thechipset64. Thechipset64 is electronically connected to the rotating slider with anengine61 located on the top surface of thebottom ring60. With the bottom surface of thetop ring50 attached to the top surface of thebottom ring60, theguard vent30 rotates at the direction of thedevice application220. In another embodiment, thetop ring50 andbottom ring60 are permanently bonded together during manufacturing, or prior to assembly to theriser90. In even another embodiment the features of thetop ring50 andbottom ring60 are combined as a single ring attached to theriser90 and thedirectional guard20.
• Once theuser290 closes thedevice application220, theuser device200 ends thecommunication330 with the machine10 (steps ii., iii., iv.). Themachine10 continues to maintain communication (step i.) with thesprinkler controller340 orbase station310.
• FIG. 5
• FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the data movement on a Wi-Fi network400 between theuser device200 and asmart deflector10.
• Therouter410, which may or may not be connected to the Internet, maintains a connection with the machine10 (step i.). In another embodiment, therouter410 maintains its principal connection (step i.) with asprinkler controller340. Thecontroller340 may share the functions and equipment of aprimary sprinkler controller340. In another embodiment, thecontroller340 may be dedicated to the control of thesmart deflector10.
• Theuser290 would then initiate a wireless connection420 (step ii.) with therouter410 by launching theuser interface220 on theirhardware210. Therouter410 responds to the device's200 initial connection (step ii.) by sending a small packet (step iii.) to theapplication220 to show theuser290 is now connected and can begin sending commands to themachine10. The mobile orcomputing device200 may send a pairing code to themachine60 and in turn receive a pairing confirmation from thebottom ring60 to complete the pairing process. In this non-limiting example, theapplication220 shows the message ‘connected.’ Another embodiment may have the screen change colors and or flash.
• Theuser290 then selects thechipset64 associated with thesmart deflector10 the user wishes to adjust. This can be shown as a map in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the chipset's64identification69, such as an Internet protocol, can be assigned a description. In the present example, thechipset64 in thebottom ring60 has been assigned the description ‘Left Front Door’ during thesetup240. The selection of thechipset64 with the application's220 chipset selection controls250 sendswireless420 commands (step iv.) to therouter410 that is then relayed by therouter410 to thechipset64 encoded in the command's packets (step v.). Therouter410 establishes anopen wireless connection420 between thedevice200 and thechipset64 in thesmart deflector10. Theuser290 can send additional commands, such asrotation control230 or setup controls240 in the open wireless communication420 (steps iv. and v.) to thesmart deflector10. Once theuser290 closes theuser interface220, thewireless connection420 to therouter410 is disconnected but therouter410 maintains a connection to thesmart deflector10, or sprinkler controller340 (step i.).
• FIG. 6
• FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the data movement on a device-to-machine (D2M)network500 between thewireless device200 and a smartwater sprinkler deflector10. AD2M communication network500 comprises awireless user device200 andmachine60 where the machine contains anelectronic address69, such as an Internet protocol, but no alternative current (AC)65 power input or direct current (DC)power66 input. Amachine10 can be any physical object with mechanical, electrical or sensor properties. In the present embodiment shown, the machine is thebottom ring60 of thedeflector10 and therefore thedeflector10 comprises a machine. Thebottom ring60 comprises awaterwheel70 housed over and assembled to theriser90 of the sprinkler system15. When the water74 is pushed through theriser90 and into thebottom ring60, it spins theblades72 around theaxel71 of thewaterwheel70 attached to thebottom ring60 by theaxel71. Theaxel71 is connected to atransformer73 housed inside thebottom ring60. The spinning motion of thewaterwheel70 sends motion to thetransformer73 which converts the motion into energy. Additionally located in thebottom ring60, and electronically attached to thetransformer73, is achipset64 withelectronic identification number69 andwireless communication capabilities510, such as Bluetooth.
• Therefore, the flow of water74 through thewaterwheel70 providespower201 to thechipset64 which then produces an electronic signal510 (step i.) and transmits theelectronic identification69.
• The D2M communication represents a single hop between awireless device200 and at least onemachine60. The hop can be configured as an anycast or unicast communication. Theuser290 may then engage with thewireless device200 and start theuser interface220. The protocol matching the machine's10 transmission is transmitted510 from the user'shardware210 in a return communication (step ii.) and thus completing the hop and establishing a two-way communication between thedevice200 and themachine10. The mobile orcomputing device200 may then send a pairing code to themachine60 and in turn receive a pairing confirmation from thebottom ring60. This completes the pairing process. Theuser290 can then use thedevice application220 to select thechipset64 associated with the desiredsmart deflector10. In the present example, theuser290 selects thesmart deflector10 located on the left side of the front door. Utilizing the open connection between thedevice200 and thesmart deflector10, and using the rotation controls230, theuser290 can adjust the rotation of thedirectional guard20 to eliminate overspray. To rotate the location of theguard vent30, the rotating slider with anengine61 electronically attached to thetransformer73, pivots left or right on a horizontal plane, based on the electronic commands wirelessly transmitted510 (step ii.) by thedevice application220. With thetop ring50 assembled to thebottom ring60, thedirectional guard20 rotates to allow theguard vent30 to control besprinkling.
• Once theuser290 turns off thedevice application220, or thedevice200, the communication (step ii.) from thedevice200 to themachine60 is terminated to produce a remaining half hop. The machine'schipset64 continues to transmit (step i.) its identification number if the flow of water74 continues. The single hop has the advantages of low latency period and a low-power communication. Using thewaterwheel70 additionally reduces the need for AC toDC power connections65.
• FIG. 7
• Finally, turning toFIG. 7, a drawing of anexample machine60 that provides self-generated power andcommunications320 forother machines60 andaccessories76,77. Thebottom ring60 contains one ormore waterwheels70 coupled to atransformer73 so that thetransformer73 can convert the machine energy into an electrical energy. Thetransformer73 then supplies that electrical energy to power thecommunications chipset64 with anelectronic address69 and a rotating slider with anengine61. When water74 moves past thewaterwheel70, thetransformer73 powers on thechipset64. Thechipset64 then begins communicating by broadcasting anelectronic address69. Thebroadcast320 of theelectronic address69 will be relatively continuous as long as water74 moves through thewaterwheel70. When auser290 wishes to engage with thebottom ring60 to adjust thevent30, the user powers up theuser device200 and turns on theuser application220. Theapplication220 will then engage thedevice chipset218 to seek and identify the broadcast320 from at least onemachine60. After thedevice200 andmachine60 complete a pairing protocol, theuser290 can issuecommands230, via theapplication220, to amachine60. In the present nonlimiting example, thedevice200 may provideinstructions230 to rotate the facing of theguard vent30 into a new direction to adjust besprinkling. Once theuser290 finishes adjusting thevent30, they may close theapplication220 which results in the device's200chipset218 ceasing communication with the machine's60chipset64. The machine's60chipset64 will continue to broadcast theelectronic address69 until the water74 is turned off.
• The result is thewaterwheel70 continues to produce electrical energy that goes mostly unused. InFIG. 7, the energy from thetransformer73 can also be stored in abattery storage75. Thebattery storage75 system may comprise an inverter, charge controller, and meter. Thebattery storage75 may be part of a battery bank that stores energy from other sources such as solar arrays. The energy stored in one ormore battery storage75 can then be used to powerother accessories76 such as lighting, sensors, and remotely located electrical outlets.
• The stored energy from thetransformer73 may also be used to power other machines with achipset77. Theuser290 would then be able use thesame application220, or a different application, to engage with thesecondary machine77 powered by thebattery storage75. This would be particularly useful formachines77 requiring electrical current but are remotely located from anAC power65 source. A nonlimiting example would be the installation of a wireless locking mechanism on ayard gate77. Through the user device, the associated application would use thedevices200chipset218 to contact the secondary machine's77chipset64 identified by theelectronic address69. Theelectronic address69 may be associated with an alphanumeric description stored in thememory214database242 on theuser device200. Thedevice200 may call themachine77electronic address64 and turn on themachine77. In another embodiment, themachine77 may broadcast a relativelycontinuous IP address64. In the present example, theapplication220 could lock, unlock, open, or close the yard gate using the continuous supply of electricity stored in thebattery storage75 and provided by thewaterwheel70. In another embodiment, themachine77 would directly draw power from thetransformer73 associated with themachine60 that provides self-generatedpower201.
• Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
• In the foregoing description, and the following claims, method steps and/or actions are described in a particular order for the purposes of illustration. It should be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, the method steps and/or actions may be performed in a different order than that described. Additionally, the methods described above may be embodied in machine-executable instructions stored on one or more machine-readable mediums, such as disk drives, thumb drives or CD-ROMs. The instructions may be used to cause the machine (e.g., computer processor) programmed with the instructions to perform the method. Alternatively, the methods may be performed by a combination of hardware and software. While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.
• Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, the advantages, associated benefits, specific solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims of the invention. As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus composed of a list of elements that may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
ADVANTAGES
• From the description above, a number of advantages become evident for the “Sprinkler Deflector Head with Device-to-Machine Adjustment”. The present invention provides all new benefits for participating parties including end-users, sprinkler manufacturers, and landscape managers:
• • a) allows manufacturers to provide add-on components to consumers to improve the spray pattern of their sprinkler systems;
  • b) allows end-users to control besprinkling without getting wet;
  • c) allows end-users to instantly reset the deflectors to their original settings if the deflectors have been knocked out of position;
  • d) allows the system to automatically adjust the water disbursement field based on wind conditions;
  • e) allows landscape managers to install aftermarket solutions to improve the function of the sprinkler installation;
  • f) allows residual energy generated by the machine to be stored and used for the power of at least one machine, lights, or sensors;
  • g) allows landscape managers to seasonally adjust the spray pattern of the sprinkler system;
  • h) allows adjustment of the machines without the use of an AC or DC power source;
  • i) allows a device to machine communication without a router or cellular connection between the devices;
  • j) allows a machine to broadcast an electronic address without having an AC or DC power source.

Claims (1)

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for managing the spray field for a water sprinkler nozzle, the apparatus comprising:

a. a top ring assembled to a directional guard;

b. a bottom ring assembled between a sprinkler nozzle and a riser;

c. said bottom ring comprising a waterwheel with an axel;

d. the waterwheel's axel is pivotably mounted to a contiguous transformer;

e. said transformer coupled to a communication chipset in communication with a user device;

f. said transformer coupled to a rotating slider with an engine;

whereby, water flowing through the bottom ring will power the chipset of a sprinkler deflector.

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